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11-11-2013, 07:46 AM
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#1
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Junior Member
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 16
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CCC and towing with a small DP
I'm new to this forum and soon to be new to RVing. I currently tow my race car to the track with a Duramax pickup and a 24 ft enclosed trailer. I've decided to upgrade to an RV and, if necessary, a smaller, lighter trailer for the race car. I'm concerned about the GVWR, GCWR, and towing ratings that I see on small Class A DP's. As an example, the Palazzo 33.1 lists a 26000 GVWR and 30000 GCWR. If a loaded RV is near the GVWR (as I believe it will typically be), that leaves only 4000 available for towing. Setting aside the fact that I probably can't get my loaded trailer weight down to that number, it seems to me that an RV in this class is just too underpowered. After years of towing a loaded vehicle/trailer weight of 16000 with my Duramax I am probably spoiled but it seems like almost doubling the weight to 30000 and using an engine (ISB) with about the same power is just not going to be enough for comfortable motoring. Comments from those of you with similar RVs before I make an expensive mistake here?
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11-11-2013, 08:16 AM
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#2
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Senior Member
Fleetwood Owners Club
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,031
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They are some MH with the ISB that have a 10K between the GVWR & GCWR.
That will be the most tow rating you will find for a ISB.
Some will have a 5K rating.
So make sure what the car and trailer will weigh. Before buying.
Or maybe a Super C will work better for you.
__________________
99 Discovery 34Q ISB
2014 MKS AWD EcoBoost Toad
Fulltime Since "99"
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11-11-2013, 08:23 AM
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#3
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Midwest
Posts: 188
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Welcome. I'm sure you will have no problem finding an answer to your question however, if you could provide more details, it would be easier to offer up suggestions to help you out. What do you consider a small DP? Are you looking under 38', 36', 34' or shorter? Are you trying to stay under 65' total length with your 24' trailer?
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Ron & Lara
03 H/R Endeavor 34PBD -330 ISC
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11-11-2013, 08:48 AM
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#4
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Cosby, Tn
Posts: 6,587
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jebsen
I'm new to this forum and soon to be new to RVing. I currently tow my race car to the track with a Duramax pickup and a 24 ft enclosed trailer. I've decided to upgrade to an RV and, if necessary, a smaller, lighter trailer for the race car. I'm concerned about the GVWR, GCWR, and towing ratings that I see on small Class A DP's. As an example, the Palazzo 33.1 lists a 26000 GVWR and 30000 GCWR. If a loaded RV is near the GVWR (as I believe it will typically be), that leaves only 4000 available for towing. Setting aside the fact that I probably can't get my loaded trailer weight down to that number, it seems to me that an RV in this class is just too underpowered. After years of towing a loaded vehicle/trailer weight of 16000 with my Duramax I am probably spoiled but it seems like almost doubling the weight to 30000 and using an engine (ISB) with about the same power is just not going to be enough for comfortable motoring. Comments from those of you with similar RVs before I make an expensive mistake here?
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Depends on your definition of "small". Winnebago builds a 32' Journey. Most years the ISB was the standard power but they optioned the Cat C7 also. I don't know if the Cat equipped chassis carried a higher GCWR. You have to be careful because some builders will specify a 10k drawbar and then limit tongue weight to 500 pounds. If you can go as high as 36' you will find more choices.
__________________
Steve Ownby
Full time since 2007
2003 Monaco Signature
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11-11-2013, 08:58 AM
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#5
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: SW, Michigan
Posts: 629
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Here in the midwest used MHs are VERY popular with circle track and drag race crowd. I have towed a 24ft enclosed with a previous MH, currently have open car trailer for unplanned issues.
For your frequent trailer towing I recommend getting a DP in the 38-40ft range as the longer wheelbase is advantageous and can still keep you under 65ft. Used units this size are also more common and so prices can be better than a shorter DP.
One important item is the transmission, you need at least a Allison 3000 for your GVWR. IMO the transmission is more important than hp/torgue of engine.
__________________
2010 Allegro RED 36 QSA
GMC Envoy 4x4
SW Michigan to Alaska in 2015
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11-11-2013, 10:00 AM
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#6
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Junior Member
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 16
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I'm trying to stay under 36' for the RV and under 65' overall. I will probably go to a shorter, lighter open trailer that's about 24' overall. The current enclosed trailer is 9000 lb loaded.
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11-11-2013, 11:46 AM
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#7
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Midwest
Posts: 188
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My 34' has a GVWR of 32K and a GCWR of 42K. I pull a 28' V-nose trailer loaded with the race car and support equipment. I have no problems at all. Keep in mind that a longer tongue or a V-nose is recommended so you don't hit when making corners in the MH. I would recommend a 300hp or bigger for pulling that kind of load. When I was looking at 32' & 34' coaches, 330 or 350 hp engines were very difficult to find. These engines were more common in the 36' and up.
__________________
Ron & Lara
03 H/R Endeavor 34PBD -330 ISC
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